Swing Set

During the 1st of September 2010 we were looking diligently for swing sets. Everything good seemed very expensive so we started looking on Craig's List. We found this one for $250.

Rodger's folks were in town for the weekend so Rodger, Dee and I drove out with the Suburban and Rodger's sister's van to take it apart and load it up. This thing is huge. It was amazing that Rodger and Dee were able to get it all into two vehicles. It was like a giant jigsaw puzzle.

When we got it, it did not look this nice. As soon as we got home the whole family helped us to paint it which made it look almost brand-new.

Then Dee, Rodger and Brandon (brother-in-law) proceeded to figure out how to fit it in our small yard which included digging up some of the grass to make it level.

They got it half up and then Rodger's friend Tim came over on another weekend to help putting the rest up.

For $250, some paint and some serious hard work it was a major success.

Ary of course wanted to 'help' as always.

Grandpa Kent & Grandma Cindy's visit August

Grandpa Kent & Ary

This is the America Beautiful Park downtown. The waterfall that you see is a kids wading pool. It was not going to run this summer because of lack of funds but opened because enough citizen's donated to keep it going. It's really pretty and a nice way to spend a summer afternoon. (Grandpa Kent & Ary)Ary and MommyGrandpa Kent & Ary

Ary calls this 'flying' she says "I fly!?" It's a good workout.

Mommy's tired, it's your turn Grandpa.

Ary likes to 'hike' in the trees and flowers in the backyard. It's good practice.

Granny Ann's Visit August

These are pictures from my mom's (Amy) visit in August - Granny Ann and Ary.

Gideon and Tucker.

Mom suggested tying a jump rope to Ary's tricycle to pull her around. It works great!

My feet are dirty Granny Ann.

Ary and Mommy in my office.

Ary and Granny Ann made muffins. Ary kept calling them 'cake' because of course she loves anything that remotely resembles cake.

Ary really likes washing things and puts her toys back in their place. I have no idea who she got that from because while Rodger and I clean the house once a week, it's because we make ourselves, not because we want to.

Somehow the grandparents always take the cutest pics of Ary.

Summer Fun - Julyish

We are attempting to potty train Ary this summer. Maybe this is why it's not working so well... Our sitter, Elizabeth, suggested today using cake as a reward as Ary seems to be obsessed with cake. If she sees it in a book she will pretend to give us a piece. This afternoon we told her that she could have a piece of cake (I found tee-tiny cupcakes with sprinkles, soooo cute) if she went to the potty. She ran for the potty and peed. We'll see how long it lasts!

We drove down to visit some friends from Kansas who were camping at Monument Lake, it's south of La Veta by the Spanish Peaks on our way to visit Rodger's folks in Garden City. The spot was so beautiful. This is Ary and Mia.

Mia, Ary, Vance and Amy. Ary loves boats now and insisted on climbing in. We wanted to take her on a paddle boat but it had just rained and they were water logged. She kept trying to get in them on the dock so we had to make her get off so that she wouldn't take a 'swim.'

Thanks to my boss Cheri who suggested this amazing travel potty that also doubles as a toilet seat we were able to potty train during our trip. I think this is one we will save for her wedding video...

This is a free water park in Colorado Springs. The water is cold but the views are wonderful and Aryanna had a lot of fun with Rodger who kept getting sprayed by some kids.

I always joke about living a double life since I travel for work. Rodger and Ary only see me in jeans and shorts. On this day I actually had to go into the campus so I had to wear business clothes. This is the first time Ary has seen my high heels and she insisted on wearing them. She did a great job walking and had a lot of fun in them."See I told you I could walk in these! I bet I could even run..."

The Meeting

As some of you know our nephew Dillon (Rodger's sister's son) had a heart transplant as a toddler. At the end of June he and the rest of the family met the mother (Jen), of the little girl, (Alex), whose heart Dillon now has. Alex was killed in a tragic car accident. We will forever be grateful to Alex and her family for donating her heart. Because of Alex's decision to donate her organs and Jen's willingness to follow through Dillon is a normal young man who is now only on one medication. God's grace is amazing indeed.

Jen & Ken are riding across country on trikes to raise awareness for organ donation. At the first meeting everyone was able to try out their trikes. (Dillon & Cooper).

I don't have many pics of this day that are not of Ary because I didn't want to intrude too much on the day. Rodger and I were very happy when Brandon and Laura invited us. Everyone was pretty nervous but it worked out great and we all went out to eat afterwards.

This picture is from Jen & Ken's blog. I thought it was so cute! The link to their blog is http://kenandjennc.blogspot.com/. It chronicles their journey across country and Jen writes some touching things about her first meeting with Dillon. If you are looking for a cause to donate money please don't hesitate to help them out.

Ary couldn't ride the trikes herself but eveyone was nice enough to give her a ride. She loved it! (Ary & Dillon)

This is a picture that I think Jen took. At one point Ary fell off the trike but didn't seem to care and got right back on. You can see her chain 'tattoo' in this picture. Way to go tough girl!

(Brandon & Ary in pic) Rodger, Jen, Ken, Ary & I hung out together the next weekend. Rodger and I were so thankful that they were willing to meet with us again to have a chance to chat and learn more about each other. It was a huge blessing and will be a fond memory forever.

Rodger & Ary

Hayley & Dillon. Hayley couldn't ride either but of course found a way. Smart girl!

The news stations did a story about Jen & Dillon meeting for the first time. I lifted this pic from Jen's blog as a place holder as we were not there. It's wonderful footage. Dillon decided to give Jen one of his medals from the transplant games. Here is a link to the news clips. They are short and neat to see. http://media.vmsnews.com/MonitoringReports/070910/324530/Y015899051/

These are bit out of order. My (Amy) brother Russ came to visit us in May and I have not had the chance to post the pictures. We had a great time with him, Ary especially, even though he beat Rodger and I and a group of our friends pretty badly at Balderdash. We love him anyway and demand a rematch!

Russ and Aryanna

Ary likes to help Daddy water plants.

Ary has enjoyed her pool a lot this summer. She is holding Elmo up in this picture as he likes to swim with her too.